Jun 27, 2011

Jun 26, 2011

Face of Defense: Marine Realizes Dream of Flying

By Marine Corps Cpl. Rashaun X. James2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

"CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, June 24, 2011 – Amid his days spent fishing, hunting and ranching horses in his small hometown of Flintstone, Md., Travis Alder dreamed of flying. After graduating from Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Md., that dream would become a reality."

"Nearly three and a half years later, Alder is now a corporal in the Marine Corps, and an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief with more than 250 flight hours providing assault support for coalition ground troops in Afghanistan."

An entire crew of a B-29 (12 aviators) was rescued by a US submarine after their plane was shot down in 1945, 70 miles off the coast of Japan. The entire rescue was filmed in color video but then sat in a guy's closet until now.

Jun 20, 2011

St. Louis is opening its doors to the United States Marine Corps for a week-long celebration featuring more than 60 events across the metropolitan area, showcasing the unique characteristics of America's Corps.For complete details, please see:

Jun 7, 2011

“As a leader, I have to be concerned for my Marines,” Cole said. “Not just how they perform their job, but I have to immerse myself in their life to see what’s bothering them, how life is back home, how I can help them, and what I can do to boost their morale. [I have to] let them know that there is a Marine here who cares about them.”

Nice story about Lance Corporals. As a Marine who spent about 18 months as a LCpl, I appreciate it.

Jun 1, 2011

Members of my old Platoon at Parris Island are now getting together for an annual reunion. Remarkable that we are finding each other after 44 years.

We spent an intense 8 week time together in an altogether unpleasant environment. It will be fun to meet these guys when we can actually talk without risking punishment.

Most people have heard about Marine Corps boot camp which is no picnic. You arrive at Parris Island at night. A mean drill instructor comes on the bus, screaming at you to run out on to the yellow foot prints in front of the bus. The drill instructors set out to terrorize you and for the most part succeed. They are screaming and yelling at you, keeping you awake through the first night. They shave your head and take all your possessions. I was a tough guy from dasoutsideaChicaga, but the DI's succeeded in frightening me.

The photo is me in Boot Camp in March 1967. The glasses were fake without lenses - would not want your civilian glasses to be used for your photo. Note the fear and fatigue in my eyes. The gadget under the photo is to set the service number - mine was 2351715.